Although Sunday’s focus of Remembrance was once again at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, where the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts was commemorated, there were also many acts and services carried out across Spain, one of the most significant of which was enacted in Mil Palmeras.
Here at the Southern end of the Costa Blanca and the Mar Menor, following the demise of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, previous coordinators have been supporting the new organisers, the local branch of the Royal Naval Association, to ensure that the same high standards are maintained this year.
So, once again, at the tiny Catholic church, Capilla de las Mil Palmeras, over 500 veterans and members of the general public, were led in Remembrance by Pastor Keith Brown, of the Hope Christian Fellowship Church in La Marina.
Pastor Keith, who held his first Remembrance Service in Mil Palmeras 16 years ago, from the top of a makeshift altar made out of discarded cardboard boxes, spoke of the especial significance of our common grief following the awful recent events in the Valencian Province.
Coupled with the gravity of our memories of recent wars and conflicts, the event was a particularly solemn affair as, together with Jose Maria, the mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, his councillors from both the government and the opposition parties, many Spanish families, and the British Vice Consul, Sara Munsterhjelm, the community was able to come together as one, in it’s mutual sorrow.
Prior to the service, standards from the Royal Navy, as well as those of many service associations, were led to the church by the magnificent Torrevieja Pipes and Drums.
Lessons and readings were delivered by the mayor, Jose Maria, Francisca Samper, along with Amanda Clancy, Tony and Maureen Jenkins and Walter Shatford while Naval veteran Nicola Louden read ‘In Flanders Fields’, a poem written by Lt Col John McRae of the Canadian Army Medical Corps after losing a friend in Ypres in 1915.
There was also a particularly moving vocal performance of Hallelujah by Cindy Fitzpatrick while the Last Post and Reveille were played by the Costa Blanca’s premier bugler Ian Gibson. Former Welsh Guards Pipe Major Brian Day played the lament, Hector the Hero.
The Costa Blanca International Concert Band also provided the musical accompaniment to the hymns, led by their Musical Director Jeremy Davies.
Sisters Angelina and Leticia Bergmann carried the peace candle to the altar, after which they recited the Children’s citation for peace in both English and Spanish.
The service was concluded with the National Anthems of Spain and the United Kingdom after which the ceremony moved out to the International Garden of Remembrance, where there was a further minute’s silence, specifically held for the almost 300 people who have either died or who are still missing in the Valencian DANA.
Thereafter, dignitaries and guests laid their wreaths in remembrance, before members of the public added their own poppy crosses in memory of family members and lost colleagues and friends, all to the accompaniment of a lone piper.
Flanked by a large number of the general public the Pipes and Drums then led members of the congregation from the church to the Mil Palmeras Olympia Restaurant where many remained to as they enjoyed a welcome drink.
The National Service of Remembrance was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First World War but after World War II the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation’s dead of both World Wars.
In 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country, all those who mourn and those who are still fighting for peace, freedom and survival even now.
Proceeds from the collection are to be donated to the Valencian DANA Appeal and Service Charities.
